Land of Spirit

Saturday,  May 30 - three days (Sunday,Monday, and Tuesday) before the VIP Pre-View show on Wednesday night for 2009 Land of Spirit Supporters.  It was an extremely long day for cast and crew.  Musical rehearsals began at 10:00 AM and I missed most of them.  I had too much to finish before getting to the theater.  I burned my fingers on Thursday night trying to use a large glue gun.  On Friday morning I was off to the doctor to get meds for it.  So this morning,  it took an extra 15-20 minutes for me to clean the wound and wrap two little fingers.   Plus, the finger is painful and taking pills to make me sleep has taken its toll.  

We had another special guest today.  Mr. Shirley, from the Lavonia area, came to the  theater for a short visit.  He was a Prisoner of War for 8 months during World War II.  He was introduced by Vivian and she shared a few remarks about his experiences and how appreciative we are of all in our armed services who have worked and sarificed to protect the freedom we hold dear here in America.  

Brackley is here to design lighting and special effects, so there were times when the play would stop and start over, so the lighting program could be checked out.  Lacey McGee was working sound today and Logan Davison and Malone Thomason were on lights in the black box in the sky.  Like I said in another blog - lighting is not icing on the cake - but, it’s one of the top layers of the production.  All the special effects, lighting, and sound  make the production much more professional and interesting to the viewer!   

After lunch Richard and cast worked for an hour or more on the ’surprise prop’ for center stage.  Cast energy levels were up for most of today’s rehearsals. . . just maybe they’re getting more excited now that it’s close to show time! 

In between answering costume questions, taking pictures, etc. today I painted a couple pair of shoes to ‘resemble’ black and white oxfords.   And. I continued to work with female cast on selecting dress costumes for secondary parts and to get most costumes ready for tomorrow’s first dress rehearsal.  I still am not finished with a few soldier uniforms, but they’ll be ready before Tuesday’s performance. 

I think I failed to mention in last night’s blog that we had another tour bus operator to call on Friday for tickets. . . our second.   This Tour Bus Company is bringing a group of 42 to see this show!  And, we have a class reunion coming - the Lavonia High Class of 1959 came by and picked up 27 tickets. . . just two of the many folks who got in on a damaged telephone line. 

Wouldn’t you know that just as ticket sales were going  strong, the phone system gave out at the Welcome Center - or, at least it has a shortage of some type.   If you’re trying to call, please be patient and try both numbers:  706-356-1926 and/or 706-356-8202.  At times you can get through to one when you may not the other.  PLEASE forgive us for not answering the phone - it rings to you but not for us - we expect to have it fixed on Monday! 

Got to run now, see you at the theater, Judy

We didn’t get out of rehearsals until 10:25 tonight.  When I finally got home I was too tired to actually rest, so I began checking emails and thinking of the day’s events.  This day seems as if has been 36 hours long and there is still more to do before bedtime.

A song from the play, Our Victory Garden, plays on and on in my mind - long after rehearsals have ended.  It’s the music Iega choreographed tonight with the cast - and, one of the most beautiful and moving scenes of the play.  The role of Vanessa is triple cast - and all three Vanessa’s were outstanding in their performance. 

However, as I watched these beautiful young women in this scene tonight it brought back memories of the real Vanessa - Jinger Jones  Holland.  From 1963 until somewhere around 1968 I owned a beauty salon in Lavonia and customers included Nita Jones and her two beautiful daughters Jinger and Beth.  Her son Billy was just a little thing and she would bring him with her to the shop.  Later, in 1969 &1970, I would work with Peggy Moon at The House of Beauty and again have the Jones family as customers.

When Jinger was in Franklin County High she was active in lots of organizations and a favorite past time for her was entering beauty contests - many of which she won.  She even participated in the Miss Georgia Teen Pagent (or what ever the proper title may be).  I can remember doing Jinger’s hair, nails and make up for these special events.  Now most young ladies would have been very hard to please, but not Jinger.  She was a sweet, thoughful, and caring young lady who thought of others more than herself and it was always a pleasure to do her hair.

Jinger graudated from college and in 1974 married a young man from Lavonia, Dewey Holland, Jr.  They moved to the state of Virginia for Dewey to become news anchor on television.   Coming home from Virginia during  Christmas season they drove by Lake Hartwell to deliver presents to a friend and on this foggy night, they missed a bridge and drowned in Lake Hartwell.   Although, by this time, I was teaching Cosmetology it would again be my honor to do Jinger’s hair, makeup and nails. 

Tonight, as I watched the story told by her mother Nita come to life on stage, it was with a tear in one eye and a twinkle in the other eye.  The tear came from the memory and sadness at loosing Jinger at such a young age; but, the twinkle came from remembering her vivaciousness, her laughter, and her beauty from within.     I know God had a special assignment for this beautiful young lady to have called her home so early - just as he calls home many young men fighting in wars - defending the freedom we enjoy today. 

So, I hope when you come see our cast in Gas Sugar Nylons and Chocolate Bars that you are as moved by the beautiful music of Heather McCluskey, the choreography of Iega Jeff, and the beautiful story of Jinger Jones Holland, as I was tonight.

See you at the theater, Judy

A week from tonight is VIP Night and a pre-view performance!  And, at least the icing’s almost on the cake - let’s say it covers four of the six layers of this year’s production of Gas Sugar Nylons and Chocolate Bars!   The first layer of this cake consist of the wonderful stories told by our citizens from Franklin County.  They’re  the foundation for the play written by professional writer, Jules Corriere. 

The second layer is the artistic talent Jules added - tying together the vaired stories into a theme or story line for the play.  Yes, we have stories from the 1940’s - but, we also have stories from the 1970, and then she added the scene from Morgan’s Liars Club which might have begun many years ago but continues today!  We just pretent all the stories are from the 1940’s!

The third layer is the artistic direction of Dr. Richard Geer.  How  he  dreams up these great ideas is anyone’s guess!  But, then again, he has so much theatrical experience in community plays that they seem to pop up at any given moment - sometimes changing directions two or three times before he comes to what he thinks is perfect.  And, he doesn’t know the word NO.  If he thinks something is needed for the play he goes to ‘almost’ any means to convinence leadership it’s needed.  But, he does try and build a lot of what is needed; thereby, saving us money!  Richard can command the attention of all 76 cast members by raising his voice just alittle above his normal talking voice - no shouting or  sound system needed.   Cast know he is a terrific director and they try hard to please him . . .

The fourth layer of the cake is set design.  What Richard dreams up, Joe Varga will design and build - or have local folks build!  Joe arrived Tuesday and began immediately to check out his design for our ’surprise set on main stage.’  Local AGLC, Inc. Board Member, Logan Mathis, had worked with Richard to have the foundation constructed by the time Joe arrived.  He and Richard worked on it today - and, it’s coming together nicely.  And. Joe’s right hand assistant in creating sets for Land of Spirit is Buffy York.  It does seem strange that a Nursing Teacher would be into set design - but, Buffy’s daughter Olivia was in last year’s play and is a cast member again this year - so Buffy helps out backstage.  And, I might add she and co-worker Sandy Whitworth do a great job!  They worked on creating a Victory Garden today and I can only say - I wish my tomatoes at home would grow as fast and as pretty as their’s!

The fifth layer is not on the cake yet - that’s Brackley Frayer’s artisit talent with lighting and special effects.  Brackley arrives tomorrow (Wednesday) and he’ll begin to add drama with lights, fog and who knows what else!  Tonight his assistants Logan Davison and Lacey McGee were on hand to set everything up for Brackley’s arrival.

The sixth layer on the cake will be costumes, make up and hairstyling.    The first Dress Rehearsal will be Sunday so we’ll see how it comes together.   Rachel Morrison and Faye Tye have  been busy this week finishing up dresses for Vanessa and Trudy - two of the show’s characters who are in scenes throughout the play.  Cast members have been busy making sure clothes are just right for each scene - and, trying to figure out how they can make a quick change since some of their roles are so close together but, never fear - when the time comes they will be ready.  Debbie Royston and Betty Farr, two local hairdressers came tonight and met with several cast and gathered up wigs and hairpieces to take back to their shops for styling.  Debbie’s Mom Valeria, who happens to be in her 80’s, will be helping  and will show them how it was actually done in the 1940’s!   Mary Lundstrum came by and checked out supplies, space and schedules for doing theatrical make-up.  Once the play begins, Joe’s assistants - Buffy and Sandy - will work with Mary in makeup.  We are so blessed to live in a community where volunteers share their artistic talents.  Don’t know what we would do without these ladies coming to take charge!   

The icing that covered the first four layers and will cover the entire cake- all six layers- in time for opening night, is Iega’s choreography!   Iega arrived Tuesday and began immediately to work with cast on the LOS theme song, “Land of Spirit” and the 2009 shows’s theme song -” Gas Sugar Nylons and Chocolate Bars.”  Tonight, they worked on “Trouble Won’t Last” and “Whatta You Got?”   

There are not enough words to express how the show changes once he arrives.  The beautiful music created by Heather, and played by Kit, comes to life when Iega adds drama and movement with song.  He directs and teaches cast to  add ‘feeling’ to thier musical presentations.  Tonight they worked and worked - with Iega saying let’s take it back one more time. . . and, it was over and over.  I was worn out from watching in the stands - but, cast members never complained.  Well, I might not should have made that statement - there were a couple of times when younger cast sat down when they should have been standing and Iega very quietly directed their attention to 91 year old Louise Allison.  He said to the young people - look this way, at this lady - if she takes a break you can take a break, but not before.  Of course, Mrs. Allsion never took a break until Iega said “Break Time”.  She went throught the entire rehearsal, singing and dancing, as if she were 16 instead of 91.   Of course, what the teens did not know, is that she had already worked out at the gym for an hour today before coming to rehearsal! 

And, when Iega called it quits for the night and you thought rehearsals were over -Richard called a scene on the floor for practice.  He went another hour working for that perfection he expects and gets!

Yep, icing almost covers the cake - that delicious, mouth watering type cake that you just can’t wait to cut!     Something that is as delicious as 211 Main Street’s six layer strawberry cake - or their six layer coconut cake - Land of Spirit’s 2009 production  Gas Sugar Nylons and Chocolate Bars is going to be a winner.  And, you had better come early and see the show because I can tell you now - you will be back for another slice before it’s all gone July 3.  

See you at the theater, Judy 

We’re just about a week away from Land of Spirit’s VIP Performance in honor of those who helped finance the show and those volunteers who make it possible for the cast to play!  This year’s reception is actually being sponsored by Crew Volunteers - those who sell tickets, park cars, run the concessions, work backstage, and, all the other jobs it takes to develop and run a show for 19 performances!

And, the show - it’s going to be spectacular!  Tonight I was in the dressing room - ironing costumes and organizing outfits - trying to get ready for Sunday’s Dress Rehearsal.  But, it was hard to concentrate for the singing and laughter taking place in the theater.  On my break, I slipped out and watched!

The scene being rehearsed at that time was the Black Market scene.  There was a certain chemistry between two actors - Marvin Lowry and Bruce Gregory - that had everyone rolling with laughter.  Marvin is returning for his second year with LOS but this is Bruce’s first adventure into the theater - but, he sounds like a natural.  And, so does Roy Benifield - they both will put you in stiches!  Last year Marvin’s sons came to see their father and mother perform on stage.  They just kept saying, “I cannot believe this is my mom and day.”  It is hard to believe, Marvin is a retiree from the  Environmental Protection Agency and, he teaches various classes for AARP - including Income Tax Preparation.  And, come spring he is rehearsing for Land of Spirit!  Quiet a versatile man. 

It’s really amazing how the show takes shape AFTER everyone learns theirs lines, props are brought in and blocking takes place.  I can hardly wait until the rest of CPI, Inc. comes in this week and adds the final touches.  Joe Varga will be in from The University of Wisconsin where he teaches set design.  Joe will work his magic on the set and it will look like a new theater - and, you must come see our big surprise on the set this year.  As I have said before, it will “knock your socks off”!  

And, coming in from Las Vegas is lighting designer Brackley Frayer.  Brackley teaches at the University of Las Vegas and travels internationally for shows needing his expertise in the field of theater lighting - and, he is the best!  Brackley will work his magic with lighting and special effects.  And, when Brackley leaves he will have trained our own Logan Davison to take over as Technical Director.  

The cast is eagerly waiting for the return of Iega.  Kevin Iega Jeff is an accomplished choreographer, director, teacher and performer.  Now, Iega really works magic!  In about three days he will have cast members like ‘two left feet’ - Owen Thomason and Jim Gothard moving with ease and grace. . . and, he puts that finishing touch on the play that says - LOOK I’m a Professional Production! 

Richard, Jules, Joe, Brackley and Iega make up a team that is unique in the field of Community Theater - they each bring to the table the highest level of artistic skills and in a short time frame of 6 weeks, they create an ALL NEW Show that has never been seen before.  When you think about it, its really a remarkable task!

I hope you will come see Land of Spirit - maybe more than once.  We need your support for opening weekend, so call 706-356-1926 or 706-356-8202 for ticket reservations.

See you at the theatre, Judy

There was no scheduled rehearsal for Wednesday night, so what does one do?  If you are Vivian (Stage Manager) and Judy & Genny (Co-Producers) you work all day!  It was a full day for working with props for Gas, Sugar, Nylons & Chocolate Bars! 

As we worked today, we decided there were many more props in this year’s production than in 2008.  And, LARGE props.  We, also,  decided it’s going to be an awesome site - one that ”knock your socks off!” when you enter the theater and the USO Canteen concessions area. 

 Last night, ’stage mothers’ and Olivia’s sister, Sarah, painted lots and lots of plants for our Victory Garden; Logan Mathis has worked for the last two days on our largest ’surprise’ prop; and, others have worked to make beautiful baskets of produce from our Victory Gardens.  And then there is the regular run of our local antique stores to ‘borrow’ authetic items from this era of history.  Don’t know what we would do without our businesses’ support of Land of Spirit!

Businesses from surrounding towns are supportive, as well.  The Hartwell Post Office was kind enough to donate worn out Mail Bags, which fit our needs perfectly.  Today we stuffed one of the mail bags with papers and letters, enough we hope to last for 19 performances - and, we prepared letters -  lots and lots of letters written from the Price Administration Board to angry citizens re: RATIONING! 

We contined to work with costumes:  from locating military uniforms and saddle oxfords to wigs and make up to give that authenic look of  World War II Days.  We packed up clothing items to bring home and laundry or tea dye - and, stored other clothing items that would not be needed this year.

It was a fun and tiring day.  We are excited and ready for Joe Varga, Set Designer, to come in next week to put on the finishing touches - He is amazing.  Joe can transform any place into a theater setting that will make you think you are living in the 1940’s!  He has been emailing designs and prop ideas for a couple of weeks now.  

One set of designs is that of WWII airplanes.  When the designs arrived we looked at each other and said, “Oh my Gosh!  Who does Joe think can make these things?”  Well, wouldn’t you know one of our cast members, Diane Loffmin, stepped up and said - “I can make those, when do you want them.”  She took home the designs on Saturday morning and made the airplanes that same Saturday afternoon.  They (and she) are amazing - can’t wait for you to see those planes! 

Okay, I have to quit talking about the props now.  When Jules reads this blog she will call Richard and say Judy is giving away all our secrets before the show even opens.  However, I know that my writing is so poor that one cannot begin to picture how beautiful the theater will be once the show opens.  I hope I’ve only given you enough about the play that you’ll want to come see it.  Tickets can still be purchased by calling 706-356-8202 or 706-356-1926.  If they’re on another line - just leave a message and THEY WILL GET BACK IN TOUCH WITH YOU!  As you can imagine things are beginning to get hectic in our BIG TIME SMALL TOWN of Lavonia.  

See you at the theater, Judy

I’m sure I must have mentioned on this site before that neither me or Genny Cole are from the world of theater or the arts.  We’re just two individuals ‘interested’ in the economic progress of our community, the offering of theater opportunities to all ages of our community, and the preservation of the real life stories of those from our county.  Therefore, when we began planning for Land of Spirit we had no idea what we were getting into.   Being Co-Producers sounded nice, but we didn’t actually know what we were suppose to do.

Needless to say, it has been a hugh learning experience and one of the things we’ve learned most is the need for  precious volunteers from our community.  This entire production takes a lot of effort from literally hundreds of people - from AGLC Board Members, to cast members, to crew volunteers who work behind stage and in support positions, to those who give financial backing to the project, and to those who perform in leadership positions for the performances.  One position we have found to be most challenging and critical to the success of the play is that of Stage Manager - or in the case of LOS we have a Team of Stage Mangers headed up by Vivian Young. 

Vivian’s work begins several weeks before most other volunteers become involved.  She is on the phone or emailing with CPI Inc. regarding stories to be used in the play. (Now this is AFTER she has worked with Transcriber Ginger Dixon and those who performed the interviews.) Once a play draft is ready for the public reading, Vivian makes copies for LOS Leadership and assits Genny & Judy with getting everything ready for CPI to arrive in town.  She helps Genny contact Storytellers and invites them to the public reading.  Following the Public Reading, Vivian works with CPI, Inc. to finalize stories for the play, assists with auditions and casting.  Following auditions, Vivian sets up a commuication system for maintaining contact with all cast and crew members and waits for final casting to come from CPI.

Once final assignments come in, Vivian must contact all 85+ Cast members, notify them of their parts, make copies of the play FOR EVERYONE and begins to prepare for rehearsals. 

NOW, the work begins!  This year Vivian’s team consist of returning members from 2008 - Barbara Busby and Debbie Lolly.  Making her first appearance on the Team is Toni Childress.   Barbara’s main job is working with the Technical Crew in lighting and Debbie’s main assignement is with sound.    However, both assist when needed with gathering and marking props; attending rehearsals and ‘blocking’ on paper for the Artistic Directors.  Toni is learning by staying with Vivian and learning the technique of blocking scenes.

 It’s educational to watch rehearsal at the beginning of a play - One must remember this is a NEW PLAY THAT HAS NEVER BEEN PRODUCED BEFORE - so there is absolutely nothing that can be relied on from previous performances!  As Richard is directing he yells Vivian’s name at least every 10-15 minutes if not more often. . . asking her if everyone is on set for the next scene - having her call those who are late to see if they are coming -  he sometimes asks her to repeat the blocking of scenes as they begin - he asks for changes in props - and, on and on and on!  Of course you would think it slows down as time goes by and it gets closer to opening - BUT, it doesn’t.    Vivian’s work as Head Stage Manager increases the closer it gets to opening.  She goes from working 50 hours a week to 80+ hours - and, that’s no exaggeration!  Last year she kept up with her hours and it was over 400 hours she spent with Land of Spirit!

There are schedule changes to deal with - and just to notify 85 people of a change is tremendous - the script is changed and written over and over to get things just right, especially the Southern dialect from Franklin County!  Every time it’s rewritten it’s Vivian’s job to copy and redistribute to cast members!

And, then there is the Music for the play.  As Composer Heather McCluskey finishes a couple of songs she brings them to Vivian.  It’s her job to make sure enough copies are provided for cast members - that means copying written music and the burning of CD’s for each cast member!  Yep, don’t forget 85 cast members!

If cast members are not going to be at rehersal or a performance - yep, they call Vivian!  Her phone rings almost constantly with items like:  I forgot what time I need to be there, can you help me out; I lost my book Vivian, can I get another copy; I can’t be there tonight, is it going to be all right;  and, the beat goes on. . . 

I think by now you should be getting the message of how much Vivian does for Land of Spirit - and, all this is done while she is still working for the Lavonia Chamber of Commerce - and, performing other functions for the improvement of our community! 

This year, for June 2009 she has added another duty.  As a member of the Lavonia Historic Preservation Commission - she, and her sister Duchess, have planned a Guided Cemetery Tour for Sunday June 7 - opening weekend of Land of Spirit.  This tour will follow the Lavonia United Daughters of the Confederacy 100th Anniversary Celebration - and 10 former citizens of Lavonia will “come to life” during the tour and tell you about their experiences of living in this community!

Now, for those of you  who have never met Vivian  you may be in for a surprise.  She describes herself as “a local redneck” and she talks with a Southern country drawl -  giving one the impression she is surely an “uneducated country bumkin.”   However, don’t believe or fall for this first impression of Vivian Young.  She is highly educated - maybe not with a college degree - but, from being self taught in most any subject you care to discuss.  She tutors students in math - and, I mean algebra, geometry, etc. - not basic math!  She could teach history - on any level - including college.  She knows as much local history of Lavonia, Franklin and Hart Counties as anyone in the area.  She discusses plays and musicals that I have never heard of - and, can quote scenes from movies - old and new.  Oh yes, in her spare time (sometime between mid-night and morning) she performs a part time job of medical transcription.  I almost forgot to mention that after her son Chip was grown and gone, she and Trippi adopted a wonderful young man named Chance Jacobs.  Of course, Chance is a cast member of Land of Spirit and Trippi can be found doing work on the theater or helping Vivian gather props.     

Vivian Young is one - of - a kind!  She says she tried being “proper” and it was just too much work - she loves herself as she is - and, we love her as she is, too!  One must get to know Vivian to appreciate her.  Now, I don’t want to get mushy here - cause she isn’t perfect - but, she can come pretty darn close to being one of the hardest working ladies you will ever meet in your life.  And, she is one heck of a Stage Manager!  We couldn’t do the play without her. 

I hope when you come out to see Land of Spirit’s 2009 show - Gas Sugar Nylons & Chocolate Bars (which she named), I hope you will ask to meet Vivian - or, at least give her a pat on the back.  She surely deserves it!  Who needs a Stage manager?  WE DO AND WE GOT THE BEST THERE IS!

 See you at the theater, Judy

This year’s production of Gas Sugar Nylons and Chocolate Bars is set in the 1940’s - World War II era - the time of my birth!  Yep, I was born in 1944 so it has been fun researching clothing, home life and cultural activities of this time period.   And, it has been educational.

I didn’t know or had never thought about what effect the war had on fashions!  For instance, ladies shoes often had cork soles.  Rubber went to the war effort so a new product had to be found for the soles of shoes - even if rationing only allowed each person one pair per year.   They found cork to be long lasting and comfortable, so cork became the new trend in shoes.

Fabric was scarce so hemlines became shorter - nylon went to the war effort and a new fabric called Rayon came into being.  Women also gave up their nylon hose and painted lines down their legs with eyebrow pencils!  Women went to work in factories so they began wearing pants - before it was always dresses!  Used wedding gowns were often cut up and new slips and undies were made from these.  “Almost” worn out adult clothes were cut up and made into clothes for the children - families learned to preserve all they had!

Since LOS is still new, we do not have an extensive ’clothes closet’ for our productions - it’s growing, but there is still a need for clothing and accessories.  I found the role of Costume Coordinator very challenging.  If I had been accoustomed to the world of theater I might not have made so many mistakes.  For instance, I knew the directors talked a lot about “tea dyeing” of white shirts but I thought all along it was the dingy look they wanted - not knowing, that theater lighting makes white objects glow in the dark! 

And, the fact I do not sew did not help either.   We’re fortunate to have several seamtress come to our rescue.  Faye Tye is sewing an outfit for Trudy and Rachel Morrison is assting with clothing for Vanessa - both are very talented and we’re fortunate to have them help with the play.

Beverly Benfield stepped up and loaned us 5 of her Grandmother’s and Mom’s 1940’s hats and just tonight Leola Barber brought in three hats her Mom had purchased in the 1920’s - but, looked similar to those worn in the 1940’s.  Cast and friends are amazing when it comes to loaning their antique treasurers.

Thus far costuming has been a great team effort - I’ll try and write more about this challenge later,  but for now - it’s way past my bed time and tomorrow will be another long day! 

See you at the theater, Judy

It’s Tuesday morning, May 11 - 12:53 AM - and, the opening VIP show is only 21 days away!  Where has the time gone?  Everyone is beginning to reach the “stress stage.”  It’s time for actors to put away their scripts and advance to the next level of presentation - it’s time for those of us in costuming to have 86 cast members dressed for all their scenes - it’s time for Richard & Joe to finalize the list of props needed   - it’s time for hairdressers to get those wigs and creative designs going - it’s time for YOU to buy your tickets for this year’s production of Gas Sugar Nylons and Chocolate Bars!

It’s so exciting to hear the phone ringing and folks asking for 20 - 25 - and even 30 tickets for their Group who is coming for this year’s play!  Of course, I am not in ticket sales but I have heard Genny & Vivian talking about groups from Cartersville, Washington, Toccoa,  Athens and other cities in Georgia who have already purchased their tickets.  This year the marketing team sent letters to churches in a 100 mile radius of Franklin County to advise them of the show - last year it was a 50 mile radius! Thus, group sales are growing and going faster this year! 

And, folks are excited about the downtown ARTs Walk which will be held each Saturday in June. Several groups are doing either the Saturday Matinee or evening performance so they can come do the ARTS WAlk - have lunch or dinner - and then, enjoy the play!   It’s going to be a fun day of ARTS!  The ARTS Walk begins at 10 AM and closes at 4: PM each Saturday.

Almost got carried away about those coming to see the show and I was forgetting to tell you about rehearsals - tonight was so very funny - everyone was laughing, including Richard the Artistic Director.  There is a scene called The Home Demonstration Club and the 9-10 women actors range from age 91 - to  7.   Now you know how hilarious a bunch of women can be when they are in that silly stage of life when they care more about having fun than what people think of them.  Well, that’s the way it is with this scene - serious topic when it comes to the war going on but funny in their approach to doing their part for the war effort.  Several times Richard had to remind them to stay with the script and to quit putting in their own lines. . . I think this is a scene we’ll have to watch througout the run of the play.  These ladies may just try to steal the show this year!  

And, the teenage girls practiced tonight, as well.  They are cute as can be as they manage to pull one off on their mothers by getting them to approve an invitation to dinner for the young boys training up at Camp Toccoa - during World War II - it’s their Patriotic Duty!  Well, these young ladies might just be in competition with the ”more mature” ladies when it comes to stealing the show!  YOU come be the judge. . .

The little ones were not here tonight, but they were at practice on Sunday afternoon - and, they too, act (and feel) like pros this year.  For many, last year was their first entrance into the world of theater and wouldn’t you know that this year to hear them talk they are professionals.  On Sunday Richard asked them to think about what their scene was really about, how it made them feel and how they thought it would be best to act it out.  Don’t know if that was the right thing to do because by late Sunday afternoon we probably had at least three more Directors in the theater - even little Olivia York was explaining how she thought the roles should be played - and, she is only 7 years old.   But you know - some of their suggestions were incorporated into the play!

I thought last year there would never be a show as good as The Last Hard Times, but I’ve been thinking - Gas Sugar Nylons and Chocolate Bars  - could turn out to be even better!  I do know this cast is giving it everything they’ve got, and when they do that - it has to be good!  Got to quit this blogging now and get some rest - it’s going to be a long day tomorrow.  I’m scouting thrift stores in the morning for those last needed costumes, meeting about props in the afternoon, and then there are rehearsals tomorrow night! Whew, tired just thinking about it. . .

See you at the theater, Judy